A 5-day trip to Australia can be packed with a mix of city experiences, natural wonders, and iconic landmarks. Here’s a balanced itinerary for you to make the most of your time in Australia:
Day 1: Sydney – The Harbor City
Morning: Arrive in Sydney. Head straight to Sydney Opera House for iconic photos, and enjoy a guided tour if you’re interested in the architecture and history.
Late Morning: Stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden and walk up to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for a great view of the harbor and the Opera House.
Afternoon: Take a Sydney Harbour Cruise to see the Harbour Bridge, and enjoy views of the coastline and city skyline.
Evening: Walk around Darling Harbour, visit the Sea Life Aquarium or Wild Life Sydney Zoo, and have dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Day 2: Sydney – Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk
Morning: Start the day at Bondi Beach, known for its surf culture and laid-back vibe. You can try surfing or just relax by the beach.
Afternoon: Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which takes you along cliffs with stunning ocean views, passing through several beaches like Bronte and Tamarama.
Evening: Head back to the city center, explore The Rocks, and enjoy dinner at one of the historic pubs or a restaurant with a view of the Harbour Bridge.
Day 3: Fly to Cairns – Great Barrier Reef
Morning: Fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Afternoon: Take a day tour or a half-day reef trip for some snorkeling or diving. Visit Green Island or Fitzroy Island to enjoy the tropical waters.
Evening: After returning to Cairns, walk along the Cairns Esplanade, enjoy the tropical atmosphere, and dine at one of the seaside restaurants.
Day 4: Cairns – Rainforest & Wildlife
Morning: Visit the Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take a guided tour to learn about the ancient forest, or if you’re more adventurous, explore on a guided walk.
Afternoon: Head to the Kuranda Village by taking the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for bird’s-eye views of the rainforest.
Evening: Return to Cairns for a relaxing dinner and maybe visit the Night Markets for local goods and souvenirs.
Day 5: Fly to Melbourne – City Exploration
Morning: Fly to Melbourne, known for its vibrant culture and coffee scene.
Afternoon: Explore the city’s laneways, famous for street art and hidden cafes. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria or Federation Square. You can also stop by Flinders Street Station for some photos.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, and if you’re a fan of live music, check out some of Melbourne’s iconic live venues.
Tips:
Travel Between Cities: Flights between Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne are frequent and relatively short, making it easy to maximize your time.
Pack Smart: Australia’s weather can vary. Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and light clothes for the beaches, along with a jacket if you visit cooler areas.
Local Transport: In the cities, public transport is efficient. Consider using ride-sharing apps or the metro to get around.